Distribution, Spawning and Racial Studies of the Capelin, Mallotus villosus (Müller), in the Offshore Newfoundland Area

Abstract

K was definitely established in July, 1950, that capelin were spawning on the Grand Bank. Samples of spawn taken in 1950 on the southeast shoal of the Grand Bank indicate that capelin were spawning in temperatures as low as 2.8[degree]C. In 1951 spawning temperatures were some 2 degrees higher. These temperatures are 2-4[degree]C lower than those reported for beach spawning. Capelin, apparently, also spawn on other areas of the bank. The effects of low temperature in 1950 resulted in spawning taking place in the middle of July and the subsequent slow incubation of the eggs would result in larvae being liberated late in September. In 1951 capelin spawning, in the same area of the Grand Bank, took place around the latter part of June or the 1st of July and larval liberation around the 1st of August. Meristic studies using vertebral counts indicate that except for the 1950 year-class there is no real difference between any group from Grand Bank areas. The over-all averages for all years from the Grand Bank do not differ significantly from those found inshore by Templeman (1948). Up to the time of spawning the male capelin were found to be the more numerous.